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Apple bread is one of those classic comfort bakes that fills your home with the warm aroma of cinnamon and apples. This recipe is quick, beginner-friendly, and made with simple pantry ingredients. Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a cozy dessert, this moist apple bread will become a family favorite. Best of all, it’s budget-friendly and can be prepared in under an hour.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: No complicated steps—just mix, fold, and bake.
• Perfect Texture: Moist inside with a slightly crisp cinnamon-sugar topping.
• Versatile: Enjoy it warm with butter, serve as dessert with ice cream, or pack as a snack.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Makes two loaves, so it’s great for sharing or freezing.
• Seasonal Favorite: The apple flavor makes it ideal for fall gatherings, holidays, and potlucks.

Ingredients Breakdown

• Apple Pie Filling (1 can, mashed): Provides natural sweetness, moisture, and apple flavor without peeling or cooking fresh apples.
• Yellow Cake Mix: A shortcut that adds structure, sweetness, and a rich, buttery flavor.
• Eggs (4, slightly beaten): Bind the batter, add moisture, and give the bread a soft crumb.
• Self-Rising Flour (1 cup): Contains baking powder and salt, helping the bread rise evenly.
• Cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Enhances the apple flavor and adds warmth.
• Fresh Apple (1 medium, chopped): Adds texture and bursts of apple flavor throughout the bread.
• Cinnamon-Sugar Topping: Sprinkled before baking, it creates a lightly crunchy, sweet crust.

Tips and Tricks

1. Mash the Pie Filling: Breaking down the apple chunks ensures even distribution and a smooth batter.
2. Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined to avoid dense bread.
3. Use Glass Loaf Pans: They promote even baking and help prevent over-browning.
4. Check Early: Ovens vary, so begin checking doneness at 35 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean.
5. Cool Before Slicing: Let loaves rest for at least 15 minutes before cutting to prevent crumbling.

Variations and Customizations

• Nutty Apple Bread: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter.
• Caramel Apple Bread: Drizzle caramel sauce over each slice for extra sweetness.
• Cranberry Apple Bread: Fold in ½ cup of dried cranberries for a tart contrast.
• Healthy Twist: Replace half the cake mix with whole wheat flour and use unsweetened applesauce in place of some pie filling.
• Glazed Apple Bread: Mix powdered sugar with milk and drizzle on top after baking.

Pairing Suggestions

• Breakfast: Serve warm with butter and a hot cup of coffee.
• Snack: Pair with a glass of cold milk or spiced tea.
• Dessert: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
• Holiday Spread: Slice and serve alongside pumpkin pie or pecan pie for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil; keeps for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Wrap each loaf in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Popular Questions

Q: Can I make this bread without self-rising flour?
Yes, substitute 1 cup all-purpose flour mixed with 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder and ¼ teaspoon salt.

Q: Can I use homemade apple pie filling instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just ensure it has a similar consistency.

Q: Can I make muffins instead of loaves?
Yes, pour batter into a greased muffin tin and bake at 325°F for 20–25 minutes.

Q: What can I use instead of yellow cake mix?
White cake mix or spice cake mix both work wonderfully.

Caroline

Easy Apple Bread

A quick and flavorful apple bread made with cake mix, apple pie filling, and fresh apples, finished with a sweet cinnamon-sugar topping — perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 16 slices

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 215

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 can apple pie filling, mashed
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 4 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup self-rising flour
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 1 medium apple, chopped
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (for topping)

Equipment

• mixing bowls
• whisk and spatula
• two 9×5-inch loaf pans
• measuring cups and spoons
• toothpick for doneness test

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease two loaf pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together cake mix, self-rising flour, and cinnamon.
3. Stir in the mashed apple pie filling and beaten eggs until just combined.
4. Gently fold in the chopped fresh apple.
5. Pour batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans.
6. Mix sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle on top of each loaf.
7. Bake for 35–45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Notes

• For a stronger spice flavor, add nutmeg or allspice to the batter.
• This bread tastes even better the next day after flavors meld.
• Serve slightly warmed for maximum flavor.

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